The closing ceremony of the “2017 Yunlin International Puppet Theatre Festival” will be held tonight at the Nongbo Park; the county magistrate, Li Jinyong, and Huwei mayor Lin Wenbin, puppetry master Huang Junxiong and many others will be making an appearance for the opening event “Thunderbolt, Golden Light, Wooden Church”, a three series Cosplay and puppetry singing show by Wuzhou Zhangzhong Group, Huang Junxiong. An exquisite performance that will demonstrate the master’s puppetry prowess.
Magistrate, Li Jinyong remarked that puppetry theatre not only represents Taiwan, but also a representation of the cultural and artistry of the people. This year’s International Puppetry Theatre Festival invites domestic and international countries such as, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Israel, 5 countries and 7 teams, a total of 123 performances will be played. Moreover, a tribute will be played to the Puppeteer Master as well as an award ceremony for the 11th Golden Hand Award for Puppetry Competition. The combination of tonight’s event with street carnivals and other series of activities, will bring people throughout the county together; the participation of school communities and the promotion and education of puppet theatre allows further development of the community.
Li Jinyong further pointed out, Yunlin shoulders three major responsibilities for the puppetry theatre: first, the succession of puppet theatre, cultivating the next generation of puppetry talent and to promote the cultural values of puppetry theatre by becoming more involved with schools and communities this summer. Second, to further promote and enhance its culture. All thanks to the community and artists’ dedication and support in Yunlin, Yunlin is Taiwan’s most active county with regards to puppet theatre. Their efforts continuously drive innovation and entice younger generations to follow their lead. And third, to share and build meaningful international relations. This year, Taiwan invited 5 countries and 7 teams for this cultural exchange. Taiwan will also be participating in Japan’s puppet theatre union next year.
Cultural director Lin Mengyi noted that within the past 8 wonderful days from October 7 to the 14th, this event has attracted approximately 200,000 visitors; generating a significant growth in revenues for various industries such as, transport, catering, hotel and agriculture.
The county magistrate Li Jinyong awarded and praised the 6 groups for having the best script for this year’s Golden Hand Award, as well as 10 other groups were rewarded with Small Golden Hand Award. The winners of the puppet theatrical performances transformed the cultural industry this year. Magistrate Li further emphasized, that that puppet theatre is not only an image of Taiwan, but also a representation of the people’s hearts. In addition to continuing holding international puppet theatre events, the county government have actively promoted the construction of Yunlin puppet theatre training centre; To encourage the preservation of art and culture, and its preservation of it’s heritage with other community’s abroad.
The 11th Puppet Theatre Golden Hand Award’s winners:
Best script award – Yunlin Wuzhou small Taoyuan hand theatre / Chen Wenzhe
Best Narrator award – Shin Yunlin Court / Li Jingye
Best Practices Technology Award – Shengping Wuzhou Park / Lin regime, Zhu Zhifeng, Lin Kunbao
Best Visual Arts Award – Jin Yuyuan Hand Theatre / Zhan Minhong
Best Soundtrack Award – Taipei Puppet Theatre / Lin Yongzhi, Xie Qiongqi, Xie Tongyan
Best performance Team Award – Shin Yunlin Court Group
Small Golden Hand Award Winners:
Shiliu Elementary School, Dongren Junior High School, Dongming Junior High School, Guangxing Elementary School, Xiluo Junior High School, Laihui Elementary School, Luchang Elementary School, Zhennan Elementary School, Erlun Junior High School, Shuiwei Community